Email
PrintFishin’ With the Kids
Evie Kirkwood
Dragonflies. Bullfrogs. Outdoor time. Family time. When you cast a fishing line with kids, you catch more than fish. It can be a time to slow down, enjoy the outdoors and catch up with family.
Brooke Artley, leisure services manager at St. Joseph County Parks in Indiana, is a GoFishIN certified crew captain and teaches several “Learn to Fish” programs for children each year. The GoFishIN program is sponsored by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Kids (and parents) who attend Brooke’s programs learn all the basics from tying the hook on the line to casting techniques. She also teaches them how to bait their own hook. That’s important for giving children some independence and for pure logistics. “If they can bait their own hook, they don’t have to wait for me before they cast again,” she says.
As a kid, Brooke fished with her dad and figured all adults knew how to fish. When she got involved in parks and recreation and GoFishIN, she was surprised at the number of adults who had never fished.
Most children pick up fishing quickly. “And for beginners, that first catch is special. It’s fun to be a part of that,” she adds.
Sometimes parents and children have high expectations about catching big fish or many fish. “It’s not an automatic vending machine,” says Brooke, “and it’s not about who catches the biggest or most fish.”
Pan fish such as bluegills, red ears and pumpkin seeds take small hooks and bait readily, are relatively easy to reel in and inhabit calm waters; all are good aspects for young anglers.
Of course when children do reel in a catch, their first question often is, “Can I keep it?” Brooke takes the opportunity to show them how to wet their hands, remove the hook and gently lower the fish back into the water. Fishing also teaches patience, respect and stewardship of the natural world.
Where to fish with kids
St. Joseph County: Potato Creek State Park, St. Patrick’s County Park and Ferrettie-Baugo Creek County Park have accessible fishing docks and platforms.
Elkhart County: Bonneyville Mill County Park
Cass County, MI: Arthur Dodd County Park
Five Tips for First Time Fishing
- A fishing license is required in Indiana if you are 18 to 67 years old. Purchase them at a sporting goods store. You can purchase starter kits including a rod, reel and line. You’ll need hooks, bobbers and sinkers, too.
- Use small hooks and bait. Wax worms, earthworms, minnows and crickets are good choices. Never release baitfish into the water, and do not release unused earthworms into the woods. Put them in your garden.
- Learn a couple of basic knots. To tie the hook to the line, try the Improved Clinch knot or the Palomar knot.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Closed-toed shoes are safer than flip flops. Wear a life jacket especially if you are on a boat, are near swift water or on a steep bank. Remember a hat and sunscreen.
- Be responsible. Respect other anglers and property owners. Keep only fish you plan to eat. Release all other fish quickly. Do not leave litter.
For more tips: www.takemefishing.org
